COMBATE Digest - combate-20260928-0000Z

🌍 WEST ASIA

Trump Expects New Iran Talks This Week, Says Strikes "Always" Under Consideration

Trump told Axios he expects further US-Iran negotiations this week, a day after rejecting Tehran's seven-day proposal: "They want to make a deal, but it is not the deal that I want to make. It is what we would have maybe agreed to a year ago" (tass_rss, rt_all_rss). Asked whether he was considering resuming strikes on Iran, he replied: "Always thinking about it" (tass_rss); US UN envoy Mike Waltz said Trump is keeping all options on the table (tass_rss). Axios reported the next round of indirect talks could begin September 28, with Qatari mediators pursuing "shuttle diplomacy" (tass_rss) — but a source close to Iran's negotiating team denied a new round was starting (farsna, meo_verified); analysts cited by Fars said US and Arab media aim to cap oil prices ahead of the American elections (farsna). Trump also claimed the US would win the war soon and oil prices would fall to pre-war levels (tass_rss), asserting a record volume of oil passed through Hormuz overnight — "more than before the war" (mehrnews, tabzlive).

Araghchi: No Reason to Return to US Diplomacy — But Ready for a "Doomsday War"

On NBC's Meet the Press, Araghchi said Iran has no reason to return to diplomacy with the US given its record: "In 2025 they offered negotiations, we accepted, then in the middle of negotiations they attacked us. Eight months later, again they offered negotiations... and again they attacked us in the middle of negotiations" (tabzlive, mehrnews, rt_spanish_rss). He said Iran is "fully prepared" for the war to resume and will stand firm "even if it comes to a doomsday war," while remaining ready for diplomacy — noting Trump demanded unconditional surrender within two days in the previous war, which has now run eight months (tass_rss, sepah_pasdaran, mehrnews). Iran is ready to reopen the Strait if the US takes specific steps — "these are our rights that we want to be respected" — including releasing illegally frozen assets, and the seven-day plan was aimed at building trust (tabzlive, tass_rss, sputnikarabic_rss). "60% enrichment is not illegal. It is still within the framework of the NPT and our peaceful program," he said (tass_rss, mehrnews). He dismissed claims of rival power centers in Iran — "we are all one front" (tass_rss) — said security considerations and direct US threats prevent publishing images of the Leader, and insisted Mojtaba Khamenei is "in full control" with his views and orders received continuously (tabzlive, mehrnews). Iran learned from the two previous wars and adjusted its tactics, he added (irna_1313); he and President Pezeshkian came to New York "to lay the ground for peace" (mehrnews).

Hormuz an IRGC "Hunting Ground" as Satellite Images Show Empty Waters

The IRGC spokesman said Hormuz "is not only not open, but a hunting ground for the IRGC Navy for American subsurface vehicles," announcing the second catch was an Mk 18 Mod 2 Kingfish — an advanced autonomous AUV with sonar and precision navigation worth several million dollars, "not just a catch, but technology and intelligence booty" (mehrnews, sepah_pasdaran, meo_verified). Published satellite images show no ships on the strait's transit route: five transits last weekend and none registered Sunday, against 31 the previous weekend (sepah_pasdaran, farsna). Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf answered US claims the strait is open: the market prices oil $35 above pre-invasion levels — $50 on physical prices — so "either the oil market is stupid, or America is lying; everyone knows the first isn't true" (mehrnews, tabzlive). Parliament's Security Commission approved the final article of the strategic Hormuz bill, making the law the sole governing framework for the strait (farsna, iribnews). Some 110,000 people joined the "Janfadaygan Iran" rally from Qeshm island to Hormuz island and Bandar Abbas (mehrnews, sepahnewsir403), with 20,000 more in Minab (sepahnewsir403). Local sources reported a naval cruise missile fired at a ship taking the unauthorized route (mehrnews, sepah_pasdaran). Senior adviser Safavi said Iran's strike on Al Udeid inflicted $200 billion in losses and Ansar Allah's control of Bab el-Mandeb is another step toward a greater US defeat in the region (meo_verified, mehrnews).

Yemen Fires New Missile Wave at Riyadh

Arab sources reported four explosions heard in the Saudi capital (sepah_pasdaran), a new wave of Yemeni missiles fired toward Riyadh (sepah_pasdaran) and Yemeni sources reporting a broad, heavy attack deep into Saudi territory; the Yemeni armed forces have issued no statement and Saudi media are silent (sepah_pasdaran). Saudi Arabia declared a week of virtual schooling in Riyadh (irna_1313). Yemen's forces downed a Saudi Karial armed reconnaissance drone over Al-Tinah in Hajjah province (sepah_pasdaran, mehrnews). Spokesman Yahya Saree said Saudi F-15s flew 26 sorties in 24 hours against Taiz, Al-Jawf, Marib, Dhamar and Saada from Khamis Mushait, killing and wounding dozens of civilians — bringing Saudi air and missile attacks to 1,085 since the escalation began (mehrnews, sepah_pasdaran). The Taiz market bombing, which killed or wounded around 50 people, "will have grave consequences for criminal Saudi Arabia," he warned (sepah_pasdaran). Defense Minister Nasser al-Atifi said that after expelling invaders from occupied areas, Yemen will carry the war into the depth of the aggressors' territory (sepah_pasdaran). A hidden underground prison used by Saudi-affiliated fighters to conceal war prisoners was discovered in liberated areas (sepah_pasdaran).

Iraq: Coalition Hands Over All Bases; Turkish Bases to Transfer; Erbil Struck

The US-led international coalition completed the handover of all its military bases to Iraqi forces, security spokesman Saad Maan said (sputnikvietnam_rss). Separately, Baghdad and Ankara reached an agreement ending Turkey's military presence by transferring Turkish bases inside Iraq to Iraqi forces (sputnikarabic_rss). Regional Arab sources reported a missile and drone attack on the headquarters of separatist parties in Koysanjaq, Erbil (sepah_pasdaran); flights at Erbil airport were halted (alahadtvofficial, sepah_pasdaran). Iraqi media reported Tehran–Najaf flights resume Wednesday, after a source said the ban would be lifted within 24 hours as Baghdad seeks a Treasury exemption amid political and public backlash (mehrnews, sepah_pasdaran). Al-Nujaba called a Monday sit-in at Najaf airport (mehrnews); Basra's MPs gave the government 48 hours to reverse the flight ban (sepah_pasdaran); a tribal sheikh threatened to storm Basra airport (farsna); and protesters in Basra waved Iranian flags declaring "We must not obey the US" (parstodayrussian). Iraqi counter-terrorism forces killed IS fighters wearing explosive belts in Kirkuk (mehrnews).

Seized Iranian Tankers Head to Texas

Maritime trackers say three seized Iranian tankers are crossing the Atlantic, most likely to Texas for judicial confiscation; TankerTrackers wrote that six million barrels of Iranian oil worth $600 million are quietly sailing toward the US (mehrnews, farsna). Bloomberg reported the Tifani and Majestic X — boarded near Sri Lanka in April — were tracked near Brazil, with a third tanker, Lenore, also heading west as US forfeiture proceedings began (tabzlive).

Bessent: China "Substantially Reduced" Aid; Iran Weeks From Empty Coffers

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said China has substantially reduced assistance to Iran, only 15 million barrels of Iranian oil remain on the water, and final deliveries to China will come "probably within the next two weeks — and then they will have nothing"; he also claimed the US allowed more than a billion barrels through Hormuz (tabzlive, mehrnews). Asked whether Xi committed to ending China's support during the war, Waltz said the presidents had "good, strong... fulsome conversations" but left details to Trump (tabzlive); Waltz also cited seven Security Council resolutions barring Iran from a nuclear weapons program (mehrnews). Al Mayadeen reported the Pentagon discreetly added 37 records to its database of soldiers wounded in the war against Iran, amid accusations Washington is hiding the true figures (yt_almayadeenespanol). A Sputnik analysis of Congressional Budget Office data put US spending on the campaign at about $38 billion by August 1, with each additional month costing $2–3 billion (sputnik_africa).

Lebanon: Nasrallah Anniversary — Qassem Offers Arms Talks Only After Israeli Withdrawal

Hezbollah marked the second anniversary of the assassinations of Hassan Nasrallah and Hashim Safi al-Din with a central gathering at Nasrallah's shrine and commemorations from Beirut to Baghdad (sputnikarabic_rss, irna_1313). Qassem announced the movement's new phase is named "Inna Ala Al-Ahd" (iribnews). He said Hezbollah is ready for dialogue on monopolizing weapons, "but first let the state free the south and let people return to their homes" (sepah_pasdaran); the government tried direct negotiations with Israel for seven rounds and the result was "below zero — not even zero" (sepah_pasdaran, mehrnews); not "even one inch" of Lebanon's 10,452 square kilometers will be ceded (sepah_pasdaran); and if Israel withdraws from any area, "it is the result of resistance, not negotiations" (sepah_pasdaran). He warned surrender would mean the end of coexistence in Lebanon and handing the country to settlers (sepah_pasdaran), and that Lebanon without the resistance would be destroyed (sepah_pasdaran). Israeli airstrikes hit Kafr Tebnit and Qantara in the south (mehrnews), after earlier strikes between Hadatha and Haris and artillery fire on Wadi Zabqin (mehrnews). Al-Akhbar reported Nasrallah's shrine remains a deliberate steel skeleton until the south, Dahiyeh and the Bekaa are rebuilt, according to his son (farsna).

Jerusalem and West Bank: Over 1,000 Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa; New October 7 Revelations

More than 1,000 Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa compound under heavy police escort as Israel sealed the West Bank for Sukkot (sputnikserbia_rss). The Palestinian Presidency warned attempts to divide Al-Aqsa temporally and spatially threaten to turn the political conflict into a "religious war" (sputnikarabic_rss); the Palestinian Foreign Ministry called Smotrich's call for a Gaza-style war in the West Bank an open invitation to expand genocide, displacement and annexation (sputnikarabic_rss). The Atlantic reported Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel traveled to Tel Aviv on September 26, 2023 to warn Netanyahu of a major Hamas offensive; Netanyahu denies receiving the warnings (rt_french_rss). Former defense minister Gallant revealed Hamas sent a warning via a Shin Bet-linked channel before October 7 that Sinwar would "shake the prisons" (sputnikarabic_rss). Haaretz reported five armed groups across six areas of Gaza receive Israeli financial and military support (irna_1313). Channel 12 reported Netanyahu flew to Abu Dhabi for a full-day meeting with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed (mehrnews). Israeli officials said Turkey is helping transfer funds to Hamas and Hezbollah; Israel does not currently define Turkey as a "threat state" but is preparing for every scenario (Hidcunim_news).

Egypt Delegates Mobilization Powers to Defense Minister

President Sisi delegated some presidential powers under the general mobilization law to Defense Minister Ashraf Salem Zahr for one year (sputnikarabic_rss).

Pakistan: 71 Killed in Balochistan Operations; Suicide Bombing at Checkpoint

The army said at least 71 members of a separatist group were killed across Balochistan in four days, alleging Afghan involvement in the unrest (irna_1313). A suicide bombing at a police checkpoint in northwest Pakistan killed at least 12 on Saturday, days after a suicide attacker killed dozens at a mosque (rtde_live_rss).

Around West Asia

Iraq's oil minister told parliament the cost of moving the country's crude rose from about $26 to $37 a barrel, accusing Saudi Arabia — which rejected the charge and blamed regional security tensions (farsna). The Financial Times reported Hormuz disruption pushed oil freight to a record $1.2 million per day (sepah_pasdaran, farsna). Iran's deputy oil minister said an enemy plan to cut gasoline to half the country — targeting pumping stations and the Rey depot to halt 90 million liters daily and paralyze the north within 72 hours — was foiled by a road tanker chain (irna_1313). Oman's foreign minister told the UNGA dialogue and the UN Charter are the surest path to durable peace, reaffirming Muscat's commitment to Hormuz maritime security (mehrnews); Russia's Ulyanov said a negotiation-based solution on Iran should be pursued continuously (mehrnews). An American-Palestinian confronted the Saudi delegation in New York, shouting "You sold Mecca and the Hejaz to Israel!" (sepah_pasdaran).

🌍 EUROPE

Vucic Resigns as Serbian President, Paving Way for Snap Elections

Vucic signed his resignation on Sunday, ending his second five-year term seven months early and clearing the way for an early presidential election; Reuters noted the move coincides with the campaign for October 25 parliamentary elections, after which he could become prime minister if his party wins (farsna, mehrnews, rtde_live_rss, sputnikvietnam_rss). Addressing crowds at the presidency, he said he was submitting his resignation and "opening a new chapter for the state" (sputnikserbia_rss, sputnikserbia_rss), and announced pardons for 49 people on his penultimate day (sputnikserbia_rss). At a reception for China's National Day, he said the Serbia-China strategic partnership "transcends any function, mandate, or time" (sputnikserbia_rss). Kosovo police arrested a Serb near Leposavic on illegal weapons charges and seized weapons, ammunition and military uniforms from an abandoned house near Zubin Potok (sputnikserbia_rss); Albanians protested in Skopje and Graz in support of convicted KLA leaders (sputnikserbia_rss).

UPDATE: Fairford — Trump Claims Plot Aimed at "Massive Damage"; Iran Link Investigated

Trump called the UK arrest operation "excellent," saying the suspects were watched for a long time and "intended to inflict massive damage" (mehrnews, sputnikarabic_rss). The Telegraph reported counterterrorism police are investigating whether Iran was behind the suspected bomb plot at RAF Fairford — used by US bombers in the Iran war — with an Iran-linked operation regarded as the leading theory alongside Russian sabotage and an Islamist plot (tabzlive); Fars noted UK media presented no evidence for the claimed connection (farsna, meo_verified). Five men are being questioned on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism (irna_1313); images showed armed police, road barriers and US B-1 bombers inside the base (iribnews).

EU Urges Mandatory Gas and Power Rationing

The European Commission called on member states to cut gas and electricity consumption "for as long as necessary" to contain prices hit by war-driven supply disruptions, in a September 25 letter from Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen (sputnikserbia_rss, tabzlive, iribnews). Slovakia's Fico questioned EU solidarity, saying some European officials treat war like a "video game" (rt_french_rss); Lithuania and Poland rehearsed evacuating parts of the Baltics (rtde_live_rss).

Russia-Ukraine: 43 Drones Downed in a Day; Russian Aviation Bombs Kharkov Positions

Russian air defenses destroyed 43 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones between morning and evening over the Kursk, Belgorod, Oryol, Bryansk and Rostov regions, Crimea and the Black Sea (tass_rss). Russian aviation dropped four FAB-250 glide bombs on a firing position of Ukraine's 159th Mechanized Brigade in the Kharkov region and struck border-guard and brigade shelters (rt_spanish_rss). The Defense Ministry said strikes continue on communication and logistics centers and vessels supporting the Ukrainian armed forces (sputnikindia_rss). Kiev has failed to explain what it needs $27 billion from partners for, while European countries "pay and stay silent," Russian media wrote (sputnikserbia_rss).

Europe Briefs

Zakharova said Wadephul requested the New York meeting with Lavrov to display diplomatic activity and shore up Chancellor Merz's falling ratings; Lavrov said he drew "nothing new" from a recitation of a prepared text (tass_rss, rt_french_rss, rtde_live_rss). Lavrov held about 50 meetings — 42 full negotiating rounds — in three incomplete days at the UNGA (sputnikindia_rss, sputnikglobe_rss). Final Swiss results showed about 70% of voters and all cantons rejecting the stricter neutrality initiative (farsna); first estimates had put opposition near 67% (rt_french_rss). US Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna threatened US entry bans for officials behind any ban of the AfD (rtde_live_rss).

🌍 AFRICA

Ethiopia: Afar Rebels Capture Erebti

The Afar-led ARDUF rebel organization captured the town of Erebti in Ethiopia's Afar region (tabzlive).

Sudan: Burhan Vows to Eliminate RSF

In a Khartoum speech, Burhan confirmed his rejection of the US ceasefire proposal and pledged to pursue and eliminate the Rapid Support Forces (rt_french_rss).

🌍 SOUTH AMERICA

Venezuela: Maduro Supporters Protest US "Tutelage" Nine Months After His Seizure

Tens of supporters of Nicolas Maduro demonstrated in Caracas against US "tutelage and intervention," nine months after the Venezuelan president was seized by US forces, IRNA reported (irna_1313).

Brazil's Deadlocked Race Enters Final Week

Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro enter the final campaign week at the same polling levels as April, with undecided voters and the Globo debate potentially decisive (sputnikbrasil_rss, yt_france24es).

Mexico: Sheinbaum Presents Two-Year Report

Sheinbaum closed her national tour before a packed Zócalo square: "Mexicans do not want interference, interventionism, or violations of our territoriality" (yt_telesurenglish, yt_lajornada2023).

🌍 EAST ASIA

Trump Suggested China Buy US Weapons

The US ambassador to China said Trump proposed that Xi Jinping buy American weapons during his recent visit — despite US law banning weapons sales to China (farsna).

💬 NOTABLE QUOTES

"They want to make a deal, but it is not the deal that I want to make." — Donald Trump, US President (tass_rss)

"We stand firm in the face of any new aggression, even if it comes to a doomsday war." — Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister (tass_rss)

"Either the oil market is stupid, or America is lying — and everyone knows the first isn't true." — Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iranian Parliament Speaker (mehrnews)

"There are only 15 million more barrels of Iranian oil on the water. Iran will have nothing left to trade for anything." — Scott Bessent, US Treasury Secretary (tabzlive)

"If Israel withdraws from any area today or tomorrow... it is the result of resistance, not negotiations." — Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hezbollah Secretary-General (sepah_pasdaran)